Method and apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy

Abstract

An apparatus and method for performing an open wedge osteotomy. The apparatus includes devices for forming an open wedge osteotomy in bone, including a keyed-wedge implant. The method includes the steps of forming a cut in a bone, forming a keyhole in the bone surface at the proximal end of the cut, and positioning a keyed wedge-shaped implant into the cut formed into the bone.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for performing an open wedge osteotomy, the method comprising the steps of:
 cutting a bone with a cutting apparatus along a cutting plane, with the cut terminating at a boundary line to provide a wedge-like opening having a proximal end, the cutting apparatus comprising a targeting apparatus for identifying the cutting plane through the bone and said boundary line for terminating the cut made along the cutting plane, and a keyhole drill guide comprising a proximal hole and a distal hole, each of the proximal hole and the distal hole intersecting the cutting plane; 
 forming a distal keyhole and a proximal keyhole in a bone surface adjacent to the wedge-like opening, the distal keyhole and the proximal keyhole being formed to overlap at least a portion of the proximal end of the wedge-like opening in the bone; and 
 positioning a keyed wedge-shaped implant in the wedge-like opening and in the distal and proximal keyholes. 
 
     
     
       2. A method according to  claim 1  wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises at least two separate components. 
     
     
       3. A method according to  claim 2  wherein the wedge-shaped implant is assembled after positioning. 
     
     
       4. A method according to  claim 1  wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises three separate components. 
     
     
       5. A method according to  claim 4  wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises:
 a base component; 
 a posterior component; and 
 an anterior component. 
 
     
     
       6. A method according to  claim 2  wherein the wedge-shaped implant is assembled prior to positioning. 
     
     
       7. A method according to  claim 1  wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises a single component.